The AC 2-Litre

The AC sports car. The history of AC sports cars began with the Auto-Carriers Company, hence AC, that was formed in 1903. However, after WW2, the company really came into its own with the production of the AC 2-Litre.

Launched in 1949, this was a two and four door saloon which was also offered in the form of a drop head coupe. It used AC's own 2 litre, 6-cylinder engine, with an aluminium block, and three SU carburettors, developed 74 bhp, which increased to 85 bhp by 1951. It incorporated aluminium body panels, on a wood frame, and fitted to a steel chassis.

The AC Ace

In 1953, the fortunes of AC Cars, as it was now known, would change with the introduction of its first true sports car, the two seater AC Ace, popular on both the race track and in rallies.

It used an alloy body on a tubular frame and, interestingly, incorporated all-round, independent leaf spring suspension. Initially, the Ace used an outdated (post WW1) 2 litre, straight six, overhead cam engine. Then, in 1956, there was the option to use the Bristol Cars 2 litre, in line six cylinder engine, with three carburettors and a four speed gearbox.

Finally, in 1961, a 2.6 litre "Ruddspeed" modified engine, as used (unmodified) in the Ford Zephyr saloon, became available. This used three Weber or SU carburtettors, and transformed the performance.

This version of the AC Ace, with its good handling characteristics, was used in competitions. Only 37 units were built, however, since use of the Cobra engine was seen as a better alternative.

The Ace was entered in the Le Mans race of 1957 and 1958. Production ended in 1962 when 689 units of all models were built.

The AC 428 Frua

Launched in 1965, the AC 428 Frua sports car was designed by Pietro Frua of Turin, which is where it derived its name. It was available as both a convertible and fixed head coupe variant.

It was powered by a 428 ci (7 litre) Ford FE V8 engine, fitted with a Holley 4-barrel carburettor.

The engine developed 345 bhp at 4600 rpm, and 474 ft/lbs of torque at 2800 rpm, and had a top speed of 141 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.2 secs.

Production ended in 1973 with only 81 units having been built. One of the main problems with the Frua was that at £5,573, it was overpriced in comparison with its non exclusive competition, such as the E-Type.

The AC Cobra 260

The Mark 1 Cobra 260 sports car was launched in 1962. The first batch of 75 units of were fitted with the 260 ci (4.3 litre) Ford Windsor HiPo (High Performance) V8 engine. Following this, a further 51 units of the Mark 1 were fitted with the larger 289 ci (4.7 litre) Windsor HiPo engine.

The standard Mark 1 developed 260 bhp, 269 ft/lbs of torque, had a top speed of 135 mph, a 0-60 mph time of 5.5 secs, a 0-100 mph time of 13.7 secs, and a standing 1/4 mile time of 14.1 secs.

Carroll Shelby also produced a Competition variant with a top speed of 152 mph.

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The AC Cobra 289

In early 1963, the AC Cobra 289 Mark 2 sports car was introduced. It was powered by a 289 ci (4.7 litre) Ford Windsor HiPo (High Performance) overhead valve engine, which developed 271 bhp at 5750 rpm, and 312 ft/lbs of torque at 4500 rpm.

This produced a top speed of 138 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.5 secs, a 0-100 mph time of 13.7 secs, and a standing quarter mile time of 14.4 secs.

By the time it was discontinued in 1965, 528 of the Mark 2's had been built.

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The AC Cobra 427

By the mid 1960's, it was obvious that the 289 Cobra needed an injection of more power. On 1st January 1965, this was provided with the introduction of the CSX3000 Series, which featured a redesigned chassis and the brutish 427 ci (7.0 litre) Ford Windsor V8 engine, which took the Cobra to the next level.

Such performance was taken still further with the Semi Competition, Competition and Supersnake variants.